Showing posts with label Walt Weiskopf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walt Weiskopf. Show all posts

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Walt Weiskopf Quartet - Live at Koger Hall, University Of South Carolina (2008)

Walt Weiskopf led a quartet with pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Paul Gill, and drummer Tony Reedus in the spring of 2008 at the University of South Carolina. Although the musicians knew the live concert documented here was being recorded, the recording was initially intended for archival needs rather than as a commercial release. Around the time that the tenor saxophonist realized how good the performances were from the concert, Reedus collapsed and died from an embolism upon his return from a European tour in November 2008. The quartet members are at their very best throughout this concert, as they bring life to Weiskopf's compositions with their brilliant improvising and on-the-money accompaniment. There are two standards, an expressive "Blame It on My Youth," featuring Weiskopf's powerful solo, and a lighthearted, breezy "Love for Sale." Aside from the traditional "Scottish Folk Song" (introduced by the leader with Gill playing arco), played at a loping, nostalgic tempo, the remaining tracks are primarily Weiskopf's compositions. One exception is Rosnes' brilliant "Dizzy Spells" (a delicious reworking of the late trumpeter's "Con Alma"), which is combined in a medley with an extended workout of Weiskopf's "Jay-Walking." Other highlights include the tricky, constantly shifting "Blues in the Day" and the turbulent post-bop vehicle "Breakdown." Highly recommended. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Capri Records Ltd., 74109-2, 2011
Recorded 8th April, 2008 at Koger Hall, University Of South Carolina 

Musicians:
Walt Weiskopf - Tenor Saxophone
Renee Rosnes - Piano
Paul Gill - Bass
Tony Reedus - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Man Of Many Colors {Walt Weiskopf} (6:42)
2. Little Minor Love Song {Walt Weiskopf} (10:39)
3. Dizzy Spells {Renee Rosnes} / Jay-Walking {Walt Weiskopf} (9:20)
4. Blues In The Day {Walt Weiskopf} (7:44)
5. Scottish Folk Song {Traditional; Arr. Walt Weiskopf} (8:25)
6. Blame It On My Youth {Oscar Levant, Edward Heyman} (7:37)
7. Love For Sale {Cole Porter} (8:29)
8. Breakdown {Walt Weiskopf} (9:00) 

Total Time: 67:56 

Credits:
Producer - Walt Weiskopf
Executive Producer - Thomas Burns
Mastering - Jeff Francis
Photography [Walt] - Gildas Boclé
Sleeve Design - Paul Thibault 

N.B.
Applause has been carefully edited except for last track where Walt announces band. 

Dizzy Spells {Renee Rosnes}

Sunday, November 24, 2019

The Cutting Edge feat. Tim Hagans - The Cutting Edge (1998)

Brilliant Post-Bop Giants
This release features some of the finest current players on the jazz scene, Tim Hagans is in my mind the most fluent trumpet player out there. His lyrical Miles-like sparseness is totally his own. Walt Weiskopf is out of Trane and no tenor has more technique at their disposal. Conrad Herwig is a breathtaking bone player, blasting through mind blowing changes on every solo. The ensemble work is swinging and seamless. Very hip rhythm section as well. Cannot Go Wrong With This One! ~ Robert Ricketts, Amazon.com.

Double-Time Records, DTRCD-141, 1999
Recorded January, 1998 At Steve Davis Studios, Yonkers, New York

Musicians:
Tim Hagans - Trumpet
Conrad Herwig - Trombone
Walt Weiskopf - Tenor Saxophone
Andy Laverne - Piano, Arranger
Jay Anderson - Bass
Steve Davis - Drums

Tracks:
1. Footprints {Wayne Shorter} (8:03)
2. Yesterdays {Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach} (5:57)
3. Code Bleu {Andy Laverne} (10:10)
4. Cantaloupe Island {Herbie Hancock} (6:41)
5. Cutting Edge {Andy Laverne} (8:01)
6. Secret Of The Andes {Andy Laverne} (7:24)
7. Space Dozen {Tim Hagans} (5:20)
8. Our Destiny {Conrad Herwig} (7:17)
9. Get Out Of Town {Walt Weiskopf} (6:35)

Credits:
Producer - Andy Laverne
Mastering, Graphic Design - Jamey Aebersold
Liner Notes - Ted Panken

Total Time: 65:28